The Rio de Janeiro Health Department issued an alert this Tuesday (12) regarding the need for vaccination against meningococcal meningitis for adolescents aged 11 to 14 years old and for high-risk groups, such as immunosuppressed people. According to the ministry, as of February 4, 12 cases and two deaths from meningococcal disease had been recorded in the state. 
Between 2017 and 2020, there were six cases of the disease and last year there were no reports.
Protection is guaranteed with the ACWY meningococcal vaccine, which immunizes against diseases caused by the bacteria. “By boosting the vaccine among our teenagers, we are able to protect their development and ensure that, in the future, they are not affected by serious forms of the disease” , assessed the Secretary of State for Health, Claudia Mello.
In the Unified Health System (SUS), the vaccine is offered in Family Clinics and health posts as part of the National Vaccination Calendar. Conjugated ACWY is applied to adolescents aged 11 and 14. The Meningococcal C vaccine schedule is administered to children aged 3 and 5 months, with a booster at 12 months.
The vaccine is also offered at Reference Centers for Special Immunobiologicals for high-risk groups, such as immunosuppressed people and microbiology professionals who may have contact with the virus.
Diagnosis of the disease is carried out through laboratory tests. Notification of cases is mandatory to ensure monitoring by the state epidemiological surveillance team.
